JODHPUR
Standing at the edge of the Thar Desert lies the 2nd largest
city after Jaipur. This city houses a number of palaces, temples
and other architectural monuments which add to its glory.
This city founded by Suryavanshi Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. was
once the capital of former princely state of Marwar. The old
city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a 10 kms long wall. From
the fort you can see the wall here separating the old city
from the new city. The new city has rapidly grown round this
Mehrangarh Fort.
With the Mehrangarh fort on the west and stately sandstone
palace of Umaid Bhawan on the east, this city is prevented
from the deserts with eight gates facing different directions.
The glorious and elegant monuments, temples and gardens of
the city are a reminder of the past and depict a multi-faceted
grandeur.
Places to visit
Mehrangarh Fort
 The
Mehrangarh fort is set on a 125 m high hill which can be accessed
by a winding road uphill. The majestic fort is one of greet
hilltop forts. Mehrangarh means 'Majestic Fort'. This fort
which can be seen from the surrounding part of the city was
originally built in 1806. The medieval charm is displayed
in the exquisitely carved panels and porches and the decorated
walls and windows of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal,
Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana. Mehrangarh has its own architectural
appeal, such as brilliant stained glass, that creates vibrant
mosaics on the floors, with the passage of the sun through
the day. The palace in this fort has its own peculiar style.
The only means to access royal residences were the narrow
staircases built within. The fort still houses a collection
of musical instruments palanquins, furniture and cannons.
The well situated Mehrangarh almost appears impressible. The
battlements are set four hundred feet above the hill. The
fort also has three gates, each built to commemorate a victory
as well as to reinforce the fort.
Umaid Bhavan Palace
This palace built of Chhittar sandstone or pink sandstone
is also called the Chhittar palace. Built in the 20th century
the palace has quite a few western touch as it was designed
by the British Royal Institute of Architects. The palace took
16 years too be built and was a project to give employment
to people during the severe famine. The dome of the palace
is only one of its kind in Rajasthan. The palace houses 300
rooms, has its own theatre, 8 dinning rooms and a banquet
hall which can hold 300 seated people. Ballroom has also been
built to cater to the westernized royal lifestyle. The palace
also contains an indoor swimming pool with a mosaic of zodiac
symbols. The royal family still resides in a part of this
palace and the rest has been converted into a hotel and a
museum.
 Jaswant
Thada
Near the fort complex lies this white marble cenotaph, built
in 1899, in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Rare
portraits of Jodhpur's rulers are, also displayed here.
Clock Tower and Sardar Market
The main attraction of the city, is the Clock Tower and the
colourful Sardar Market near it. Narrow lanes lead to quaint
bazaars selling textiles, antiques, silverware and handicrafts.
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